The Ship at Dunwich, Suffolk

Overview

Just two minutes stroll from a stunning shingle beach, The Ship is a well-loved, iconic old smugglers' inn overlooking the salt marshes and sea. Once a medieval port, the quaint coastal hamlet of Dunwich is now surrounded by nature reserves and marshland - making it a perfect seaside escape.

Renowned for its timeless atmosphere, the main bar remains delightfully traditional with a wood-burning stove in a huge fireplace, flagged floors, simple wooden furnishings and nautical artefacts - a great place for hunkering down with a drink in hand on wild winter days.

Rooms from

Doubles: £100

Good to know

Visa and Mastercard accepted, Amex not accepted
Parking available
Alfresco dining

Scenic and serene
Surrounded by heathland, nature reserves and the sea, the hamlet of Dunwich is a perfect spot for some rest and relaxation.

Water and waves
The inn is just a few minutes from the shingle beach - enjoy amazing views over the sea.

Outdoor adventures
There's excellent walking at the nearby RSPB Minsmere reserve; popular with walkers and birdwatchers alike.

Dog friendly
Dogs are welcome in all the rooms overnight and will find themselves treated to blankets, a water bowl and treats. There's also a stunning, dog-friendly beach just two minutes walk away too.

Family favourite
Spacious family rooms are available, and from one of them you'll even find steps leading to an upstairs children's den!

Rooms

Rooms are split between the inn and the recently converted stable rooms. All have been stylishly refurbished in keeping with the traditional coastal charm. Inside, a fine Victorian staircase leads to a clutch of cosy rooms, which are light and spotlessly clean with pastel seaside hues, pretty fabrics, very comfortable brass or French-style rattan beds, lightwood furnishings, period features, and the best offers soothing views across Dingle Marsh and sea from leaded pane windows.

Expect the best linen, fresh flowers, retro radios and excellent coffee. Family rooms are very spacious - steps in one lead to an upstairs kid's den with beds, bean bag and telly.

Restaurant & bar

The Ship is locally renowned for its stellar fish and chips which sets the tone for the traditional pub menu. Everything is freshly made from local produce in the kitchen and the daily specials showcase more adventurous dishes, perhaps local crab, lobster and mussels, alongside whole plaice with herb and caper butter.

From the main menu, try the slow-braised Blythburgh pork belly, tuck into fish pie or try The Ship's venison and pork burger with all the trimmings. The Sunday roasts are a real draw - arrive early for a table.

Things to do

Whether you are an experienced birdwatcher or simply eager to get close to nature, build in some time to visit RSPB Minsmere, a nature reserve on the Suffolk Coast with plenty of accessible wildlife. Owned and managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, is a 2.500 acre site of wetland, woodland and coast that's home to some of the UK's rarest and most beautiful wildlife

The charming Suffolk seaside town of Southwold is well worth a visit, bet known for its beach huts, historic pier and iconic lighthouse. A horse-drawn dray is still used through the streets and there is always a faint whiff of malt from the Adnam's Brewery mixed in with the sea-salty air. The Brewery is open to the public on specific dates - check ahead of time and go along for a tour.